MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Just days after the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University released its 2023 Digital News Report, Maria Ressa and her Rapplerettes immediately went on damage control.

The report named Rappler the least-trusted news brand in the Philippines, the fourth year in a row.

Rappler abandoned its appeal for donations and instead opened its online portal for free access by anyone who registers. It appears to be a desperate attempt to boost its sagging number of subscribers and followers.

One doesn’t have to actually read their fake stories. But signing up may have some perks in the future, like perhaps, free coffee mugs or baseball caps? Maybe, even a dinner date with Ressa?